In-Network With Most Commercial Insurers
*Please note that at this time, we are not in network with Medicaid/Medi-Cal
Help For Teens Struggling With Mental Health Conditions
Watching your child struggle with their mental health can be difficult and emotional. It’s natural to feel worried and unsure, but remember, support and professional guidance can have a positive impact on your teen’s journey toward wellness.
At Muir Wood Teen, we provide an environment where teens ages 12-17 feel supported and understood. We focus on empowering them to develop healthy coping skills and build confidence as they work toward long-term mental wellness. At our program, your teen benefits from the expertise of a compassionate, highly credentialed team of therapists, psychiatrists, and educators who are specially trained in adolescent mental health and substance use. Their deep understanding of the unique challenges teens face ensures that your child receives respectful, personalized care tailored to their specific needs.
With multiple locations across California, Muir Wood Teen’s residential and IOP treatment offers teens individual and group therapy, family involvement, and academic support. Together, we help your teen rebuild confidence, maintain their connection to education, and strengthen family relationships—creating a foundation for lasting recovery.
Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when clinical care, family support, education, and emotional growth come together. That’s what effective adolescent treatment looks like—and it’s why integrated, whole-child care is essential.
– Dr. David E. Smith, Chair, Addiction Medicine & MQAC, Muir Wood
The Muir Wood Teen Difference
Our team partners closely with parents and caregivers from day one—providing clear communication, a personalized plan, and practical tools for life after treatment. While teens receive structured, therapeutic support in a peer environment, families are equipped alongside them to support continued progress and lasting change.
Some of our key differentiators include:
Specialists in Adolescent Care
Everything we do is built for teens ages 12–17, not adapted from adult models. Our team includes board-certified psychiatrists, highly trained therapists, nurses, educators, and recovery counselors who specialize exclusively in adolescent mental health and substance use treatment. Working as an integrated team, they deliver evidence-based, developmentally appropriate care tailored to each teen’s unique needs.
Community and Connection
Our program supports coordinated, therapist-led group therapy alongside meaningful peer interaction. Teens build trust, communication, and coping skills through shared therapeutic experiences and real-time practice. Individual therapy provides personalized support to deepen insight and help teens apply these skills beyond treatment, supporting lasting emotional growth and stability.
Expertise in Primary Mental Health + Substance Use
With expertise in treating both primary mental health and co-occurring substance use challenges, our trauma-informed approach helps teens heal deeply and build lasting change. We focus on the whole person—addressing both emotional wellbeing and underlying behavioral patterns—to support lifelong healing.
Support for the Whole Family
Healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens together. At Muir Wood, families stay actively involved through therapy, education, and a 16-week aftercare coaching program that builds trust, communication, and stability long after treatment ends. Our depth of experience working with adolescents and families allows us to anticipate challenges, guide meaningful change, and support progress well beyond discharge.
Accessible, High-Quality Care Covered by Insurance
Muir Wood is committed to removing financial barriers to care by partnering with most major insurance providers, ensuring families can access high-quality, evidence-based treatment when it matters most.
Maintain Academics While Getting Support
School stays the priority. Whether in residential treatment or IOP, teens can keep up to date with education. We help them map assignments, manage stress, and practice executive functioning skills such as planning, time management, and communication. When helpful, we coordinate with families and schools so gains in treatment carry into the classroom and daily routines.
Continuum of Care
We believe strong outcomes depend on continuity and collaboration. From admission through discharge, we coordinate closely with your teen’s existing providers and aftercare programs—whether that’s Muir Wood residential, our IOP, or another trusted outpatient partner. Shared clinical leadership and consistent therapeutic philosophy ensure each teen’s progress continues without interruption.
Speak With a Teen Treatment Specialist
Connect with our admissions team today to learn how Muir Wood can support your family.
Muir Wood Treatment Center Reviews
Read about Muir Wood experiences from a parent who has been through it. Read these and other reviews from real parents of Muir Wood alumni. If you would like to speak to an alumni parent, contact us and we’ll arrange it.
“Ruby had a very positive experience overall both times. Many programs make lots of promises and don’t deliver. Muir wood was a transformational experience for Ruby and I think the experience of being part of a community of peers was especially helpful. I’m a mental health professional myself and have already recommended Muir Wood to friends with teens who are struggling.”
Sasha A. Blum – September 2023
“From the moment we walked through the doors, we felt like part of a supportive com- munity dedicated to helping teens thrive. The staff here are compassionate, knowledgeable, and truly invested in the wellbeing of every teen in their care. The programs are tailored to address the needs of each individual, providing a safe space for growth and healing. I highly recommend this center to any parent seeking top-notch care.”
Krista Merlino – May 2024
“Our child had medication resistant severe depression. Muir Wood helped find the right medication and provided a supportive environment, over Covid, no less. My child is thriving and we both agree that even though it was a hard period, it was the best choice to get them treatment. The tutors worked with his teachers and he maintained a 4.0 while getting better.”
Tomasina Burgess – June 2024
“There really are other families that are struggling in more or less the same ways that we are,” she shares in the video below. “I think there’s a way that addiction can make people feel like it’s only happening to them, and it’s really not. It’s behind so many closed doors. And I only wish that more people would come out and get the help that they deserve and that is there to be had. I’m really grateful we found it.”
Katie F. – June 2024
“This program was really wonderful for our daughter and our family as a whole. We love the parent classes and the parent support group. L. loved most of the staff and made some great friends with other girls in the program. The communication between staff and parents is excellent.”
Ilene G. – Oct 2025
My daughter is at the Petaluma Site. She has been there for about 40 days and the therapist has been very communicative. I feel apart of her treatment and have been updated weekly as well as a fast response anytime I have had questions. The support has been great and I love the parent classes. I have learned a lot in this time.
Angela R. – Oct 2025
Signs Your Teen Is Struggling With a Mental Health Condition
There’s no question that adolescence brings many challenges. Between the stress of school, social life, and the changes that come with growing up, teens often struggle with managing their mental health needs. Without support, they might develop unhealthy ways to cope, such as using substances, withdrawing from friends and family, and participating in risky behaviors. It is essential to find help for your teen early, so they can develop the skills they need to cope with their mental health issues before symptoms become too much to handle.
Signs that your teen is struggling with their mental health include:
- Changes in mood and behavior, such as irritability, anxiety, or depression
- Physical changes with hygiene or weight gain or loss
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or managing school work
- Engaging in risky behavior such as self-harm or suicidal ideation
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Loss of interest in school activities and hobbies
- Using substances
Whether your teen is struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health challenges, our specialized programs are here to provide the expert support they need to heal and grow. If you notice any signs that your teen is facing challenges with their mental health, reaching out to a professional can help provide the guidance you need to take the next step.
Why Parents Choose Muir Wood
Mental Health Treatment Options
Our teen treatment programs are focused on more than just managing symptoms—they aim to build a strong foundation for lasting mental wellness. We provide integrated care that addresses both emotional and behavioral challenges, helping teens find stability and regain confidence. Our team collaborates closely to deliver personalized support tailored to each teen’s needs—focusing on mental health, emotional resilience, and strengthening family relationships to sustain long-term recovery.
We provide targeted care for teens struggling with:
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Bi-Polar Disorder
Trauma and PTSD
Substance Use Disorder & Addiction
ADHD
OCD
Disordered Eating
Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation
When to Seek Help for Your Teen’s Mental Health
Every teen faces challenges—stress at school, social pressures, and the emotional ups and downs of adolescence are part of growing up. But when mental health struggles become persistent, intense, or begin to interfere with your teen’s ability to function, it may be a sign they need more support than weekly therapy or family efforts alone can provide.
Most teens who arrive at Muir Wood have already been struggling for some time. Parents have often tried therapy, worked with school counselors, or made changes at home—yet their teen’s challenges have continued to escalate or resist improvement. If your teen’s mental health symptoms have persisted for weeks or months, are disrupting sleep, schoolwork, or relationships, or have led to withdrawal, self-harm, or unhealthy coping behaviors like substance use, it may be time to consider a higher level of care.
At Muir Wood, we believe all behaviors exist for a reason. The patterns that bring teens and families into treatment—whether depression, anxiety, withdrawal, anger, or self-destructive behavior—are often attempts to cope with underlying pain, trauma, or emotional overwhelm. Effective treatment looks beneath the surface to understand what’s driving these struggles, helping teens develop healthier ways to manage thoughts, emotions, and challenges.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Our team partners closely with parents and caregivers from day one, providing clear communication, a personalized plan, and practical tools for life after treatment.
Understanding Levels of Care
Finding the right level of support can feel overwhelming. Here’s a brief overview of the treatment continuum—and where Muir Wood fits in:
- Outpatient Therapy: Weekly individual or family therapy sessions, typically the first step when a teen begins struggling. Outpatient therapy provides ongoing support and skill-building but may not be enough when symptoms are severe or escalating.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): Teens attend structured therapy sessions several afternoons per week while continuing daily life at home. IOP offers more support than weekly therapy—including group therapy, individual sessions, and family involvement—without requiring a full-time treatment setting. IOP works well as a step-up when weekly therapy isn’t providing lasting improvement, or as a step-down from residential care to maintain progress.
- Muir Wood offers IOP in Petaluma and Clovis. Teens attend sessions 3–4 days per week for an average of 12 weeks, participating in therapist-led groups, individual therapy, and family sessions while continuing school and building skills to apply in daily life.
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): Structured daytime programming (typically 5–6 hours daily) while teens return home in the evenings. PHP bridges the gap between residential treatment and IOP for teens who need more intensive daily support but don’t require 24/7 care.
- Residential Treatment: 24/7 immersive care in a supportive, structured environment. Residential treatment provides the clinical intensity needed when therapy, IOP, or family support aren’t enough. Teens step away from daily pressures and triggers to focus completely on healing—with round-the-clock support, daily therapy, and meaningful peer connection woven into every part of the day.
- Muir Wood offers residential treatment at our California campuses in Sonoma County, Clovis, and Riverside: Teens live in small, home-like residences surrounded by nature, spending their days at our treatment campus engaged in therapy, accredited academics, and experiential activities. The consistency of residential life itself becomes part of treatment, helping teens regulate emotions, rebuild self-trust, and develop lasting skills. The average length of stay is 45–90 days, individualized based on each teen’s progress and clinical needs.
- Inpatient/Hospital Care: Short-term, acute stabilization for teens in immediate crisis. Inpatient settings focus on safety and medical stabilization rather than therapeutic treatment. Once a teen is stable, they typically transition to a lower level of care—such as residential treatment—where deeper healing can begin.
When to Consider Residential Treatment or IOP
If your teen is showing a consistent pattern of mental health struggles—especially if weekly therapy or other supports haven’t led to lasting improvement—a more intensive level of care may be needed. Signs that may indicate your teen could benefit from Muir Wood’s programs include:
- Persistent or worsening symptoms of depression, anxiety, or mood instability
- Withdrawal from friends, family, and activities they once enjoyed
- Academic decline, school avoidance, or difficulty functioning day-to-day
- Self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or other safety concerns
- Substance use as a way to cope with emotional pain
- Family exhaustion despite your best efforts to help at home
Every teen’s path is different. The right level of care depends on your teen’s specific needs, safety concerns, and what interventions have already been tried. If you’re unsure whether your teen needs more support, our admissions team can help you understand your options and determine the right next step.
Why Timely Intervention Matters
The earlier we intervene, the more protective we can be. We’re not just reacting to a crisis—we’re giving teens the foundation to thrive.
– Dr. David E. Smith, Chair, Addiction Medicine & MQAC, Muir Wood
The earlier teens receive the right level of support, the better their chances for lasting recovery. Mental health challenges that go undertreated can escalate—leading to deeper depression, chronic anxiety, school failure, strained relationships, or reliance on substances to cope. Remaining in care that isn’t meeting their needs can allow patterns to become more entrenched.
At Muir Wood, we’re here to partner with you—offering compassionate, expert care tailored to your teen’s unique needs. Our dedicated team of therapists, psychiatrists, nurses, educators, and recovery counselors works together to create personalized treatment plans that nurture healing and build a foundation for a brighter, healthier future.
Our Approach to Treating Teen Mental Health
At Muir Wood, we believe all behaviors exist for a reason. The struggles that bring teens into treatment—whether depression, anxiety, withdrawal, anger, or self-destructive patterns—are often attempts to cope with underlying pain, trauma, or emotional overwhelm. Our approach addresses what’s driving these challenges, not just the symptoms on the surface.
The core purpose of treatment is to help teens develop their inherent capacity for self-regulation: the ability to manage thoughts, emotions, and impulses effectively without resorting to harmful behaviors. Through a combination of individual, group, and family therapy—alongside experiential activities that reinforce these skills in real time—teens leave treatment with tools they can use for life.
Whether through our residential program or intensive outpatient program (IOP), each teen receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs, ensuring the right level of care for meaningful, sustained progress.
Evidence-Based Therapies for Teen Mental Health
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps teens understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected—and how shifting one can positively influence the others. Teens learn to recognize negative thought patterns, challenge self-critical thinking, and develop practical strategies for managing difficult emotions. CBT provides concrete skills for responding to stress, anxiety, and depression without spiraling into withdrawal or self-destructive behavior.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills
DBT focuses on four core areas essential for emotional wellness:
- Mindfulness: Developing awareness of thoughts and emotions as they arise, creating space to respond rather than react
- Emotion Regulation: Learning to manage intense feelings without being overwhelmed
- Distress Tolerance: Building the ability to get through painful moments without reverting to harmful behaviors
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Strengthening communication and relationship skills to reduce isolation and conflict
Together, these skills help teens pause before reacting automatically, choose more effective responses, and gradually rebuild a sense of control over their emotional lives.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one sessions provide a safe, confidential space where teens can process difficult emotions, explore what’s beneath their struggles, and apply therapeutic concepts to their unique experiences. Individual therapy builds trust and allows for personalized attention to each teen’s specific challenges, unresolved conflicts, and goals for growth.
Group Therapy
Group sessions offer something individual therapy can’t: the power of shared experience. Many teens with mental health challenges feel isolated, believing no one understands what they’re going through. In group settings, they discover they’re not alone.
Some groups focus on teaching specific skills—like emotion regulation or interpersonal effectiveness—while others provide open space to share, process, and gain insight from peers and facilitators. Both help teens build the social connection and self-awareness essential for lasting recovery.
Family Therapy
Healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens together. When a teen struggles, the whole family is affected, and lasting recovery requires the whole family’s involvement.
At Muir Wood, family therapy is central to our approach, not an afterthought. Weekly sessions help every person in the family examine their role in supporting the teen’s progress, address dynamics that may have contributed to past instability, and build skills for healthier relationships going forward. Parents and caregivers learn to understand their teen’s experience, strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and create an environment at home that sustains progress after treatment ends.
Our family programming extends well beyond weekly therapy sessions:
- New family orientation in the first week
- Twice-weekly parent education classes
- Weekly parent support group with current and alumni families
- Weekly therapist-parent huddle calls to review progress and coordinate care
- 16-week post-treatment family coaching program
This depth of family involvement is one of the things that sets Muir Wood apart. We don’t just treat the teen—we equip the entire family with tools for lasting change.
Experiential Therapy & Mindfulness Activities
Art, journaling, yoga, and outdoor activities allow teens to reconnect with their bodies, express emotions that are difficult to put into words, and experience moments of calm and creativity. These activities build self-awareness, reduce stress, and offer healthy outlets that teens can continue using long after treatment.
Experiential therapy also uses novel exercises and challenges—like team-building activities or adventure outings—to help teens observe their automatic reactions in real time and practice new ways of responding. This live, in-the-moment learning reinforces what’s taught in traditional therapy settings.
Psychoeducation & Skills Development
Teens learn about mental health conditions, emotional regulation, and healthy coping strategies—gaining practical tools for managing academic pressure, social challenges, and daily stress. Understanding what’s happening in their minds and bodies helps teens feel less overwhelmed and more equipped to handle life’s difficulties.
A Foundation for Lasting Change
At the heart of our approach is a commitment to clinical excellence and true collaboration. Our integrated team—psychiatrists, therapists, nurses, educators, and recovery counselors—works together with teens and families, ensuring open communication and coordinated care at every stage.
Treatment at Muir Wood helps teens move beyond their current struggles by addressing them directly and building real skills for managing whatever comes next. Teens leave with greater self-awareness, healthier coping strategies, and the confidence to face challenges—supported by a family that’s been equipped to sustain progress long after treatment ends.
Accreditations
Learn about Muir Wood
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Muir Wood Supports the Entire Family
Treating a teen’s mental health challenges requires family involvement and ongoing support. From the initial assessment through treatment, parents and caregivers are actively involved, learning how to create a stable environment that fosters lasting emotional well-being.
At Muir Wood Teen, our program integrates family therapy with licensed clinicians who lead weekly sessions to strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and support their teens’ emotional growth. We provide parents with practical tools to set boundaries, express empathy, and encourage independence.
Our education and coaching help families reinforce coping skills, reduce household stress, and sustain progress after treatment. Our 16-week aftercare program ensures stability during reintegration, while alumni and peer networks maintain accountability and connection.
We also coordinate with schools and outpatient providers to guarantee a smooth transition back to daily life, helping teens maintain emotional balance and continue their mental health journey with confidence.